A Method for Stabilizing RNA for Transfection That Allows Control of Expression Duration

RNA transfection methods have not proven to be as popular as DNA methods due to the highly transient nature of the RNA inside the cell. However, there are many advantages in using RNA for gene overexpression, such as the rapidity of expression, the ability to express in all cell types without the need for cell-type-specific promoters, and the ability to analyze the effects of gene over-expression in a transient manner. Therefore, we have developed a method (StabiLizingUtr: SLU) to stabilize the RNA for varying durations, using specific sequences from the 3'UTR of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). We have designed a plasmid for cloning genes upstream from repeated stabilizing sequences to generate mRNA with one or more VEEV-stabilizing sequence motifs. We demonstrate this method in several cell and tissue types, including the mammalian cochlea, a tissue that has been difficult to transfect with other methods. Developmental Dynamics 239:2034-2040, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.